Last Name Barlow

The last name "Barlow" has an English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "bearu" meaning "grove" and "hlaw" meaning "hill." Combining these elements, "Barlow" translates to "grove hill" or "hill adorned with trees." This surname likely originated as a toponymic name, referring to someone who lived near or on a hill with a grove of trees. Over time, it became adopted as a hereditary surname by individuals and their descendants who were associated with the place. The name "Barlow" has been recorded in English documents since the 13th century and continues to be held by many families worldwide today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Barlow

The meaning and origin of the last name Barlow

The surname Barlow is of English origin and has multiple possible meanings. Firstly, it could be a locational surname derived from several places in Lancashire and West Yorkshire, named "Barlow", believed to have derived from the Old English words "baer," meaning "boar," and "hlaw," meaning "hill." This suggests that early bearers of the surname may have resided near a prominent hill inhabited by wild boars. Alternatively, Barlow could also be an occupational surname referring to a bar-keeper - someone who served drinks at an establishment or was responsible for a tavern's security. The derivation in this case would come from the Middle English word "bar" meaning "barrier" or "gate," and "lawe" meaning "hill" or "mound." As surnames developed to identify individuals within communities, Barlow became a common and recognizable family name. Today, it is still prevalent worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Barlow

The last name Barlow has a diverse geographical distribution. It can be found primarily in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, it is most prevalent in the northern regions, including Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name has deep roots in this area, with historical records showing its presence for centuries. Similarly, in the US, Barlow is scattered throughout the country, but with higher concentrations in states like Utah, Idaho, and New York. This indicates a migration pattern of individuals with the Barlow surname relocating to various parts of the US. Additionally, the name can also be found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where English settlers and immigrants have established communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Barlow reflects both its historic origins in the UK and subsequent movements of individuals to English-speaking countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Barlow

The last name Barlow has several variations and spellings. One variant is Barlowe, where the "e" at the end of the name is added. Another variant is Barloe, with an "o" replacing the "a." Additional variations include Barloh, Barlo, and Barlov, which are minor alterations. Spelling variations also include Barlowes and Barlows, indicating different ways of indicating the plural form of the name. It is important to note that regional accents and dialects can influence the pronunciation and spelling. For instance, in some areas, the "r" in Barlow may be pronounced more strongly or even omitted entirely. These variations and spellings of the last name Barlow highlight the flexibility and adaptability of surnames over time and across different communities and regions.

Famous people with the last name Barlow

The Barlow surname is associated with several famous individuals across various fields. One notable figure is Gary Barlow, a renowned English musician and songwriter. As the lead vocalist of the pop group "Take That," Barlow has contributed to numerous chart-topping hits and has been recognized with six Ivor Novello Awards. His success extends beyond his band, as he has also established a prosperous solo career. In addition to his musical talents, Barlow has ventured into television and philanthropy, serving as a judge on the UK version of "The X Factor" and actively supporting charities like The Prince's Trust. Another prominent Barlow is Joel Barlow, an American diplomat, poet, and politician. A key figure during the American Revolution, Barlow later became the US Ambassador to France, where he worked with Thomas Jefferson on the Louisiana Purchase. He is remembered for his influential poems, including "The Hasty-Pudding" and "Columbiad."

Genealogical research on the last name Barlow

The last name Barlow has deep historical roots and can be traced back to England. It originated as a locational surname derived from various places named Barlow, including a village in Derbyshire and another in Lancashire. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English elements "bere" meaning "barley" and "hlaw" meaning "hill" or "burial mound," suggesting that the original bearers of this name may have lived near or owned barley fields on a hilltop. Over time, individuals with the surname Barlow migrated to different parts of the world, particularly to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, Barlow is a fairly common surname globally, and its descendants can explore their rich heritage by delving into historical records, such as census data, vital records, and immigration records, to uncover their specific family connections and ancestral branches.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Barlow"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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